10 best date-night restaurants in Kitsilano
Run out of date ideas? Why not grab your sweetie and head to Kitsilano, where a plethora of restaurants serve up a delectably diverse array of memorable experiences. From designing monster sushi rolls, to sharing authentic Italian pastas, to sipping margaritas on open-air patios, this beachfront Vancouver neighbourhood offers plenty of locales for romance. [Photo courtesy of The Oakwood]
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro
2741 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P9The Oakwood prides itself on being a quintessentially Canadian bistro, but what does that mean, exactly? Well, due to Canada’s diverse, multicultural cuisines, dinner guests will enjoy anything from poutine to panzanella (a robust Tuscan salad of bread and tomatoes) to poached salmon and honey-ginger-buttermilk lamb belly. Hanging antlers, massive stone fireplaces and wood tables all add a comforting, cabin-like feel this progressive, hip spot.
La Quercia Restaurant
3689 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 1P2This intimate, cozy and refined restaurant specializes in Italian fare served family style, which makes it ideal for couples who like to share. A chalkboard menu changes daily and with the seasons; past offerings have included antipasti plates like parmigiano sformato, light and juicy pastas such as maltagliati all'amatriciana, and meat-heavy main dishes including rabbit loin and stuffed squab, among others.
Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
1999 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7For a date that’s as raucous as it is romantic, try Las Margaritas – a much-loved local hotspot with a 60-seat patio that has been voted the best in Vancouver. A cantina style menu takes inspiration from Northern Mexico and Southern California, offering towering nachos, quesedillas, spicy wings, tacos, burritos and stuffed peppers. The tequila tasting flight is a must-have, as is the classic margarita, hand-shaken and served with agave syrup and fresh-squeezed lime juice.
The Eatery
3431 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6R 2B4This kitschy, eclectic restaurant offers some of the quirkiest, most inventive (and largest) sushi rolls in town. Don’t believe me? Take the sushi pizza bites, for instance, which are freshly made rice disks topped with spicy tuna and other tasty creations. Or, the Bob Marley, John Lennon, Devil’s Tail, and Captian Crunch rolls – for these, you’ll just have to visit to find out what’s inside.
The Naam Office
2724 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1For a healthy, environmentally friendly date, look no further than this casual diner, which has offered Asian and South American inspired vegetarian and vegan fare for nearly three decades. Veggie couples can dine on a plethora of meat-free dishes, including handmade vegetarian burgers, hearty dragon bowls with tofu or falafel, and savoury soups and curries. Regular belly dancing and guitar performances add a side of romance to your miso gravy and fries.
Nook Restaurant
1525 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6K 3E5A relatively new addition to Kitsilano’s dining scene, this modern, youthful Italian restaurant is know for its delicious pizzas that are handmade and fired in massive ovens that are impressive in and of themselves. A range of pastas, antipasti and charcuterie plates, and salads are also available at this hip establishment, where you can enjoy your own date as much as check out the local dating scene.
Tojo's Restaurant
1133 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G1Vancouver’s most acclaimed Japanese restaurant is founded and operated by world-renowned chef, Hidekazu Tojo. Formally trained in Osaka, at one of the country’s most prestigious restaurants, Tojo eventually came to Vancouver, where he continues to master the art of traditional Japanese cuisine. Treats like wild prawn tempura and West Coast albacore tuna rolls are on the pricier side, and ideal for special occasions.
